Creative Edge Salon hosts shave-a-thon fundraiser to support young boy with leukemia
This summer, shaved heads are back in season, but we've got a better reason to get a buzz cut.
At 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, downtown Troutdale's Creative Edge Salon will host a shave-a-thon to support and raise funds for Joe MacDonald, a 9-year-old Gresham boy who was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia less than a month ago.
Money raised will go to Joe and his family to help cover medical bills and frequent commutes to Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland.
The family has spent $1,700 in three weeks on co-pays, prescriptions and gas to and from the hospital, costs that will continue for at least another six months of Joe's treatment.
If you don't want to get your head shaved, we have other options, said Julie Baggs, family friend of the MacDonalds, who in addition to the shave-a-thon, is organizing future fundraisers for Joe and his family.
A car wash for the cause will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at Weston Kia on Southeast 223rd Street and Stark Avenue.
Donations and recycled pop cans will be accepted at the event.
Joe's fourth-grade year at Fairview Elementary School was interrupted suddenly on April 24 when doctors diagnosed him with Burkitt's leukemia, a cancer affecting fewer than 300 people throughout the country a year. He started treatment soon after.
Joe is a huge football fan. His favorite team is the Green Bay Packers. He only got to play in two games with his YMCA flag football team before he fell ill.
In support of their teammate, Joe's team will arrive en masse to the Creative Edge Salon on Wednesday to get their heads shaved.
Baggs' son, Carter, is a close friend of Joe's. Their shared passion for football has brought their families closer over the last few years.
Joe needs him more than ever now, Baggs said. They don't get to see each other very much.
After fighting high temperatures and infection at the hospital, Joe came home this past weekend and invited Carter over. The friends were ready to rabble-rouse in a game of pick up in the front yard.
Having lost 16 pounds and his first time out of bed and on his feet in days, the boys took advantage of being kids by getting silly and worrying their mothers that Joe might rip out an IV chord.
But that's Joe's personality.
Bracelets, T-shirts and a Facebook page made to support Joe throughout his treatment tout his motto: Hustle. Hit. Never quit. Tackle it Joe! (all football references)
Shirts are available in green and gold, Packers' colors.
With a little brother and a little sister at home, his father, a Multnomah County Sheriff's deputy, and mother, who stays at home, are juggling workloads to keep their family together, taking turns staying with Joe at the hospital and the kids at home.
Yet, that doesn't stop them from having a little fun.
Joe and his father are known for sharing a wicked sense of humor, Baggs said.
It is not unlike the two to make mom jump out of her seat and scream by announcing a fake high temperature.
Whatever makes that kid laugh makes us all happy, Baggs said.
She reports that Joe is doing good right now.
He is due back in the hospital for another round of treatments on Thursday.
Upcoming Fundraisers
Shave-a-thon: 6:30 p.m Wednesday, May 22, at Creative Edge Salon, 97 West Historic Columbia River Highway in Troutdale.
Car Wash: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at Weston Kia, 22309 S.E. Stark in Gresham. Bring soda cans or bottles for a recyclables drive. Donations will be accepted for car wash.
All proceeds go to the MacDonald family.